“And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day.”
Context: The book of Judges is part of the historical narrative in the Old Testament. It covers the period of time after Joshua’s death until the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. During this period, the twelve tribes of Israel were settling in the Promised Land and dealing with various challenges and conflicts.
The Man Who Built a City: In Judges 1:26, we encounter an unnamed individual who went into the land of the Hittites and built a city. This account provides an example of one of the instances where the Israelites did not fully drive out the inhabitants of the land, as God had commanded them. The Hittites were one of the nations inhabiting Canaan at that time.
The City of Luz: The man who built the city called it Luz. Luz is mentioned in earlier biblical accounts, specifically in Genesis 28:19, where it was referred to as Bethel. It was a significant place where Jacob had an encounter with God and received a promise from Him. In Judges 1:23, we learn that the tribe of Joseph also captured the city of Bethel (Luz) and renamed it accordingly.
The Continuity of the Name: The verse states that Luz remained the name of the city until the time the book of Judges was written. This emphasizes the long-standing nature of the name and the city’s historical significance.
Themes and Lessons: Judges 1:26 reflects the recurring theme in the book of Judges of the Israelites failing to fully obey God’s commands to remove the inhabitants of the land. It highlights the consequences of partial obedience and the challenges that arise when God’s people deviate from His instructions.
Moreover, the continuity of the name Luz/Bethel throughout different periods of Israel’s history reminds us of the significance of certain places in God’s redemptive plan. Luz/Bethel had a history of spiritual encounters and divine promises, serving as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people.
In summary, Judges 1:26 illustrates the failure of the Israelites to completely remove the Hittite inhabitants of the land, as well as the man who built the city of Luz/Bethel. The verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions fully and serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of certain places in Israel’s history.
